If you could give general tips to someone who is starting their career path as a business consultant, what would that be? Anything you have learned that you wish you knew before?
I know this question is broad, but whatever comes to your mind, experiences or any ideas are highly appreciated. Thanks!
If you haven't checked this wiki yet:
Before Starting As A New Hire
https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/wiki/index/mcnewbietips
Tips For New Starters
https://www.reddit.com/r/consulting/wiki/index/mcnewbietips2
(edited)
First thing that comes to my mind is: have coffee with people! even before getting the job, try to get contacts within the firm and meet people that can help you or mentor you for coffee. When you already got the job, find people you would like to work with, that are on interesting projects or that could be otherwise useful or interesting for you. Meet them for coffee, get them interested in your potential, you get the gist of it. good luck!
I wish I had known before that the career progression is also based a lot on timing, and not only on the quality of my work. Your start date determines the beginning and progression of your career. Which kind of project you get and what people you work with influences who you meet, what skills you develop… In a bigger firm, there are more projects and options, but in a smaller firm you might just miss the right window to have a good start on the job. What you can do is to try your best to find different types of projects that help you figure out what you are interested in. Otherwise also the rest of your career will be determined by chance and timing.
Good luck!
